Israel’s military announces the start of ‘extensive’ new ground operations

Israel’s military on Sunday announced the start of “extensive” new ground operations in the Gaza Strip.

Israel’s military on Sunday announced the start of “extensive” new ground operations in the Gaza Strip.

The statement came a day after Israel launched a new offensive in the Palestinian territory of more than 2 million people in its latest attempt to pressure Hamas to agree to a new ceasefire deal on its terms.

The Israeli military statement said that the military killed dozens of fighters and struck more than 670 targets in preliminary strikes over the past week.

Health workers in Gaza have said that hundreds of people have been killed, including at least 103 people overnight and into Sunday, which prompted the main hospital in northern Gaza.

Israeli troops with armoured vehicles positioned at Israel's border with Gaza. MENAHEM KAHANA / AFP - Getty ImagesMore than 48 people were killed in airstrikes in and around the southern city of Khan Younis, some of which hit houses and tents sheltering displaced people, according to Nasser Hospital. Among the dead were 18 children and 13 women, hospital spokesperson Weam Fares said.